The meeting focused on preparing for an upcoming conference presentation, discussing proposal submissions, and reviewing guidelines for future conferences. Participants shared insights on crafting effective proposals, emphasizing the importance of innovative topics, interdisciplinary approaches, and clear language. The discussion also covered the evolution of the conference, its international scope, and the significance of in-person attendance for fostering scholarly exchange.

Atlanta Conference Proposal Review Session

Mohammad, the President of the Society of Architectural Historians, welcomed members from different continents to a session. He introduced his colleagues, Saundra Weddle, Jorge Correia, and Suna Güven, who had served in a review committee for the Atlanta Conference. The aim of the session was to present a list of proposals to help members revise and rewrite their proposals for the next conference in Mexico City. Mohammad also shared numbers about the acceptance rates for previous conferences, encouraging members to submit their proposals for the Atlanta Conference.

Conference Proposal Review and Objectivity

Mohammad discussed the extensive process of reviewing submissions for a conference, emphasizing the importance of objectivity and the need to avoid overlaps. He also mentioned that his colleague, Swati Chattopadhyay, who is the Vice President of SAH, is chairing the next conference in Mexico City and has already formed a review committee. Saundra then shared her observations and advice on what makes a strong proposal, emphasizing the need for a broad and inclusive topic, a variety of perspectives, and increased content from periods before 1900. She also encouraged new chairs and highlighted the importance of demonstrating the application of a particular methodology in a proposal.

Innovative Contributions and Proposal Guidelines

Saundra and Mohammad discussed the importance of innovative contributions and interdisciplinary work in their field. They encouraged participants to think broadly and consider various mediums to approach the built environment. They also emphasized the need for clear and straightforward language in proposal submissions, suggesting that proposals should be understandable to a non-specialist audience. Mohammad further highlighted the importance of originality and creativity in proposal submissions, urging participants not to follow trends but to create them. He also stressed the need for proposals to align with the organization's mission and focus on the built environment.

Proposal Guidelines and Thematic Focus

In the meeting, Mohammad emphasized the importance of highlighting underrepresented areas and avoiding over-lapping topics in proposals. He also stressed the need for proposals to be framed in a broader thematic context and to engage debate. Jorge echoed these sentiments, adding that proposals should focus on framing a thematic dialogue rather than showcasing existing work. He also highlighted the importance of including well-defined questions and a clear scope in proposals. Lastly, Mohammad advised to keep editing proposals and to avoid making them look like literature reviews. Suna reiterated these points, emphasizing the need to follow guidelines and have a well-articulated proposal.

Choosing Session Topics and Presence

Suna emphasized the importance of excitement and enthusiasm in choosing a session topic for a conference. She suggested starting with a title that encapsulates the essence of the session and grows from it. Suna also highlighted the significance of being present in person at the conference, as it fosters face-to-face scholarly exchange and rigorous discussions. She noted that while there is funding for travel, it is competitive, and thus, one should not solely depend on it. Suna also mentioned that the annual meeting venues change significantly.

SAH Annual Conference Evolution and Expansion

Suna discussed the history and evolution of the SAH Annual Conference, which was renamed the Annual International Conference in 2015. She highlighted the importance of reaching out to a broader audience and the policy of not encouraging consecutive chairing of sessions. Suna also shared the Mayan image of a man in a snail-shell from the National Museum of Anthropology in México City evoking the spirit of SAH as the man emerges from the shell and confronts new territory. She emphasized that the conference program is shaped by the proposals sent in by members and that each session contributes to the overall goal of promoting the study and preservation of the built environment.

Annual Conference Organization and Panels

The meeting involved a discussion about the organization and submission process for the annual conference. The participants, including Suna, Mohammad, Kuukuwa, Saundra, Jorge, Hayri, Ingrid, and others, discussed the importance of interdisciplinary panels and the need for a balance between specificity and broadness in topic selection. They also addressed the issue of pre-formed panels and the potential for the Virtual Conference. The participants shared their experiences and offered advice on how to frame proposals to attract a diverse audience. The conversation ended with a discussion about the role of affiliate groups in sponsoring panels at the conference.

Mexico City 2026 Session Proposals